On Thursday 12 September, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, urged Lebanese leaders to work together in the interests of their country.
“I urge all the Lebanese leaders to work together in the interest of the Lebanese nation and the state of Lebanon – and no one else”, he pleaded at a press conference with the acting Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, in Beirut. The High Representative pledged that the EU was ready to continue to support Lebanon and its leaders in meeting the challenges of stability. “But [...] we can only [help] overcome the internal obstacles, if the Lebanese help themselves”, insisted Mr Borrell. Mr Bou Habib welcomed the EU’s continued support for his country.
Mr Borrell also called on all parties to defuse military tensions between Lebanon and Israel. “According to the United Nations, more than 4,000 residential buildings have been completely destroyed in south Lebanon. More than 110,000 Lebanese have been forced to leave their homes since October 2023. The same thing is happening on the other side of the Blue Line”, he lamented.
The High Representative therefore called for the “full and symmetrical” implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which he believes should pave the way for a comprehensive settlement, including land border demarcation and allowing the return of the people, and the reconstruction work in the affected border areas. Mr Bou Habib reiterated his country’s commitment to such implementation.
The High Representative also called for functional institutions and reforms. “For Lebanon to secure stability and peace, functioning national institutions need to be restored – including the Presidency of the Republic, and the Council of Ministers”, he stressed. According to Mr Borrell, there is no way for the Lebanese to defend their interests abroad without first being “stable and united” at home.
He called on Lebanon to turn around its economy and reform the banking sector. “This is crucial”, stressed the European representative, revealing that he had heard from peers that this was the way forward, and hoping that it would happen soon. “I hope that you will be able to push Lebanon towards a path that combines political freedom, economic prosperity and social cohesion”, he told the minister.
The High Representative and the Minister also discussed neighbouring conflicts in Gaza and Syria. While the Minister welcomed the review of the EU’s strategy on Syria, as requested by eight Member States (see EUROPE 13458/8), Mr Borrell only mentioned the Syrian conflict as an “unresolved crisis”. “The EU can play a constructive role in finding lasting solutions to promote early recovery and encourage the safe and dignified return of Syrians, most of whom have been displaced for economic reasons”, said Mr Bou Habib. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)